Symptoms of anxiety run the gamut from almost unnoticeable, such as a mild elevation in heart rate, to so extreme that they can interfere with the activities of daily living. This can include having anxiety about closed in spaces that is so excessive that a person refuses to use an elevator. The symptoms of anxiety are related to a physiological human reaction called the fright, fight or flight response. This reaction developed in early human evolution as a means to increase alertness and readiness to react to dangerous stressors, such as the threat of a man-eating predator. When confronted with stress, such as danger, the body's nervous system reacts by releasing the chemical epinephrine, also known as adrenalin. Epinephrine produces effects that make our body's better able to physically "fight or take flight" from a danger. These include increasing the breathing and heart rate so the muscles get the extra oxygen and energy they need to work hard.
In today's world people most often experience stressors that cannot be addressed effectively by fighting or running away, such as balancing finances on a tight budget, cramming for a test, going through a divorce, or running late for an important appointment. However, epinephrine still circulates through the body in response to these types of stressors. Large amounts of epinephrine can result in symptoms, such as heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and chest pain. When physical symptoms such as these are experienced, it is very important not to assume they are due to anxiety. Seek professional medical care immediately....more...»
The list of medical symptoms mentioned in various sources for Anxiety disorders may include:
List of 33 Anxiety disorders Symptoms
Note that Anxiety disorders symptoms usually refers to various medical symptoms known to a patient, but the phrase Anxiety disorders signs may often refer to those signs that are only noticable by a doctor.
People with panic disorder have feelings of terror that strike suddenly and repeatedly with no warning. They can't predict when an attack will occur, and many develop intense anxiety between episodes, worrying when and where the next one will strike.
If you are having a panic attack, most likely your heart will pound and you may feel sweaty, weak, faint, or dizzy. Your hands may tingle or feel numb, and you might feel flushed or chilled. You may have nausea, chest pain or smothering sensations, a sense of unreality, or fear of impending doom or loss of control. You may genuinely believe you're having a heart attack or losing your mind, or on the verge of death.
Panic attacks can occur at any time, even during sleep. An attack generally peaks within 10 minutes, but some symptoms may last much longer. (Source: excerpt from Anxiety Disorders: NIMH)
More detailed symptom information may be found on the symptoms of Anxiety disorders article. In addition to the above medical information, to get a full picture of the possible signs or symptoms of this condition and also possibly the signs and symptoms of its related medical conditions, it may be necessary to examine symptoms that may be caused by:
These general reference articles may be related to medical signs and symptoms of disease in general:
The phrase "signs of Anxiety disorders" should, strictly speaking, refer only to those signs and symptoms of Anxiety disorders that are not readily apparent to the patient. The word "symptoms of Anxiety disorders" is the more general meaning; see symptoms of Anxiety disorders.
The signs and symptom information on this page
attempts to provide a list of some possible signs and symptoms of Anxiety disorders.
This medical information about signs and symptoms for Anxiety disorders has been gathered
from various sources,
may not be fully accurate,
and may not be the full list of Anxiety disorders signs or Anxiety disorders symptoms.
Furthermore, signs and symptoms of Anxiety disorders may vary on an individual basis for each patient.
Only your doctor can provide adequate diagnosis of any signs or symptoms and whether they
are indeed Anxiety disorders symptoms.
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